How to Change Your Life by Changing Where You Spend Time
Have you ever noticed how certain places make you feel lighter, more inspired, or simply at peace? The environments we choose to spend time in are much more than a backdrop to our lives—they can be powerful sources of renewal and creativity. I’ve found that making a habit of visiting places that calm or inspire me has a real impact on my well-being and my ability to step back and see my life clearly.
One of my favorite rituals is to visit the bay in the evening. Sitting there, I can finally relax, decompress, and get some distance from the daily grind. It’s so easy to get caught up in work, to keep your head down and never pause to ask yourself: “Is what I’m doing actually important?” Having the chance—or even the luck—to sit somewhere peaceful, like a quiet café or a bench with a view, gives you the space to reflect.
Not all environments are created equal. Some places feel cramped, with low ceilings and little light. If the ceiling is low, or the space feels closed off, it’s much harder to find inspiration. There’s something psychological about it: when you’re in a place with lots of space, high ceilings, or a wide view—like by the bay or in a room with big windows—it’s much easier to think creatively and have those “aha” moments.
If you’re indoors, try to choose places with a sense of openness. Avoid small, narrow alleys or tunnels where you feel compressed. Even offices with gray carpets and harsh neon lights can drain your energy. But if you’re lucky enough to be in a penthouse or a room with a big window overlooking the city or nature, you’ll notice how much easier it is to get a fresh perspective.
Nature is another great ally. Walking in the forest can open your mind and spark creativity. But if the trees are too close together and the space feels suffocating, it can have the opposite effect. The best spots are open, with plenty of greenery and a view that lets you breathe.
I love sitting on my favorite bench, surrounded by nature and the open bay. If everything around me were concrete, even with a nice view, it wouldn’t have the same effect. The combination of nature and openness is key. If you have a nice window at home, add some plants to bring in that natural touch.
Little rituals help too. I like to make myself a good cup of tea or enjoy some fruit energy balls. Chewing on something, even just a piece of fruit or a snack, can help stimulate your mind and creativity. I used to chew gum all the time as a teenager, but now I prefer healthier snacks. There’s a New Zealand brand I like, but you can make your own energy balls at home. I also use an app called Meal Snap to scan my snacks and check their nutrition scores—it’s a fun way to stay mindful about what I eat.
Sometimes, I bring a book with me and just read in the quiet. As the sun sets and the world calms down, it’s the perfect time to reflect and enjoy a moment for yourself.
It’s funny how quickly we get used to comfort. I remember hearing Tony Robbins talk about this on a podcast. He was on a flight where they announced free Wi-Fi, and everyone was thrilled. But when the Wi-Fi stopped working ten minutes later, people immediately started complaining, even though they hadn’t expected it in the first place. We adapt so fast to new comforts that we forget how things were before.
The lesson here is to appreciate the simple things and not let small setbacks throw us off. Sometimes, it’s about making do with what you have and finding inspiration in the moment.
If you’re looking for ways to improve your life, start by making space for yourself—both physically and mentally. Take time every evening to decompress and ask yourself how your day went. Don’t just let life happen to you; take action in your own life. Even if you feel like you don’t have enough time or money, remember: you’ll never have “enough.” You have to make room for what matters now.
Happiness doesn’t have a price. Sometimes, you have to make sacrifices—maybe cut back on phone calls for a while or change your routine—to make space for a healthier, happier life. Why settle for a life that was chosen for you by social pressure, if it doesn’t match your values or bring you joy? We’re all different, and what worked for your parents might not work for you.
Take the time to get to know yourself. Ask what you really want, and what you need to change to get there. Sometimes, your environment is holding you back. If the people around you have a lifestyle that’s the opposite of what you want, it will be harder to change. Your environment, your habits, and the people you surround yourself with all play a huge role in shaping your life.
“Time is a train that never stops. When you lose two hours of your life, those are two hours of life—and two hours of death—you can never get back.”
— Pierre
“Happiness doesn’t have a price. Sometimes, you have to make sacrifices to make space for a healthier, happier life.”
— Pierre
So, choose your spaces wisely. Surround yourself with people and places that lift you up. Make time for yourself, and don’t wait for the perfect moment—start today. Life is full of opportunities, but you have to act now. The best time is always today.
Key Takeaways
- The places you spend time in can deeply affect your mood, creativity, and happiness.
- Choose open, inspiring environments—nature, big windows, high ceilings—over cramped, closed spaces.
- Make time every day to step back, reflect, and decompress.
- Your habits and the people around you matter as much as your physical environment.
- Don’t wait for the “right” time—start making changes now.
Action Steps
- Find a spot that inspires you and make it part of your daily routine.
- Add plants or natural touches to your home or workspace.
- Take a few minutes each day to reflect on your life and choices.
- Try a new healthy snack or ritual to boost your creativity.
- Reconsider the people and habits you surround yourself with—do they support your growth?
Reflection
- What places make you feel most alive or at peace?
- Are you living a life that matches your values, or one shaped by others’ expectations?
- What small change can you make today to create more space for happiness in your life?
Pierre-Henry Soria
#Entrepreneurship #Environment #Habits #Mindfulness #Personal-Growth #Self-Transcendence #Well-Being